Blazing A Trail: Culture and Devolution in England

The past decade has witnessed an English ‘devolution revolution’ in which a series of new combined authorities and associated mayors have been rolled out across England. By May 2024, 60 per cent of England will be governed by a democratically elected mayoral combined authority (MCA). The ethos of English devolution is to transfer power and resources from the centre of government to the regions, to have decision-making closer to communities and to better understand needs and opportunities on the ground. In terms of culture, devolution affords agency to advocacy, nationally and internationally, to connect audiences, publics, partners and investors to a single coherent message about the offer of a place and its people.